By Amy Grisak
Great Falls has a rich musical history. We are blessed with the Great Falls Symphony, and appreciate the hard work and exceptional talent of our community members as they bring us deeply moving musical experiences, and for many, this passion starts at an early age. To encourage this tradition of excellence, the Diane and Roy Volk Youth Orchestra Programs offer instruction and inspiration for our young musicians.
“Gordon Johnson started it when he was with the Symphony. It was his baby,” says Kyara Nelsen, who has been at the helm of the youth orchestra for four years and serves as the Youth Programs Manager and Youth Orchestra Director.
Growing up in Helena, Nelsen played the violin from a young age, and understands how performing within this immersive experience requires musicians to know their part while remaining aware of everyone around them. As an educator and professional musician, she focuses on bringing out the best in her students.
For many string players, the first opportunity to play with the group in the Youth Orchestra Program is Sinfonia, which is open for intermediate musicians from sixth grade on up. Nelsen says, “We treat it as a feeder program for our youth orchestra.” A fixture of the Great Falls students’ musical education, Lisa Shull, is conducting Sinfonia this season, after the equally gifted and beloved Sarah Schaeffer stepped down after leading the group for six years.
“Youth orchestra offers the full orchestra experience,” explains Nelsen. She guides this polished group to pull together strings, winds, brass, and percussion, to play more advanced compositions that challenge the musicians to hone their gifts and reach new skill levels. She says, “The orchestra connects you to a rich tradition of music. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Within the program, there is also an opportunity to be part of the chamber assembly, where 3-7 musicians are grouped together and coached by knowledgeable instructors, including some members of the Symphony.
The culmination of their efforts is a concert series in November and March. Chamber performances are held on the Friday before the Sunday afternoon concerts at the Mansfield Center, featuring Sinfonia, Youth Orchestra, and select chamber ensembles. Tickets are available to the public.
For students interested in joining either group, audition dates and materials are available on their website, gfsymphony.org, along with their current calendar of practices and performances.